COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS
P803 million fake goods seized in Metro Manila
The National Bureau of Investigation – National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) confiscated counterfeit products amounting to P803 million in the cities of Manila, Pasay, and Valenzuela over the weekend.
The operations, conducted in conjunction with the NBI-Intellectual Property Rights Division (NBI-IPRD), targeted establishments found to be in violation of Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the “Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.”
On August 5, NBI-NCR and NBI-IPRD teams served ten search warrants at four locations in Binondo, Manila, and one in Baclaran, Pasay City. These establishments were found to be unlawfully storing, selling, and distributing counterfeit products. The meticulous operation resulted in the confiscation of 19,546 pieces of fake sunglasses and prescription glasses bearing various “OAKLEY” trademarks, alongside 42,258 pieces of counterfeit “RAY-BAN” sunglasses and prescription glasses falsely carrying the trademarks of LUXOTTICA. Additionally, various business documents, receipts, sales invoices, and other pieces of evidence were seized, with an estimated total value of P800 million.
On the same date, NBI-NCR agents, aided by NBI-IPRD, served two warrants at a warehouse situated in Valenzuela City. This operation focused on unauthorized reproductions and led to the seizure of 6,293 pieces of finished and unfinished products bearing counterfeit “WD-40” trademarks. Also confiscated were 270 pieces of counterfeit canisters designed to resemble the general appearance of WD-40 trademarks, along with relevant business documents and other pieces of evidence. The estimated worth of the items seized in Valenzuela City is approximately P3 million.
NBI Director Santiago commended the NBI-NCR and NBI-IPRD for their successful implementation of the search warrants and their unwavering commitment to enforcing laws against the proliferation and distribution of counterfeit goods. Director Santiago reiterated the NBI’s reminder to the public to refrain from patronizing pirated products, emphasizing the importance of protecting intellectual property rights owners and fostering national economic growth.
